In a significant leadership transition, Ben, the esteemed automotive industry charity, has announced the appointment of Rachel Clift as its new CEO, effective from November 1, 2024. Rachel Clift, currently serving as Ben’s Health & Wellbeing Director, will be succeeding Zara Ross, who has led the organization with distinction since July 2016. This appointment marks a new chapter for Ben as it looks to further its impact on the automotive industry.
The Legacy of Zara Ross
Zara Ross has been an instrumental figure in Ben’s history, guiding the charity through a period of remarkable transformation and growth over the past eight years. Under her leadership, Ben has achieved several significant milestones, including:
- Strategic Reviews: Zara led comprehensive strategic reviews with the Board of Trustees, setting a strong foundation for the organization’s future direction.
- Navigating Challenges: One of Zara’s most notable achievements was steering Ben through the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. Her leadership minimized the impact of the pandemic on the charity’s essential work, ensuring that vulnerable stakeholders were protected.
- Innovative Culture: Zara established a culture of quality, support, and innovation within Ben, fostering an environment where efficiency and technological advancements were prioritized.
- Town Thorns Care Centre: She oversaw a major refit at Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre, ensuring the facility met the highest standards of care.
Zara’s vision and commitment have left an indelible mark on Ben, shaping the charity into a more resilient and forward-thinking organization. The Board of Trustees expressed deep gratitude for Zara’s exceptional leadership, acknowledging the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
The Transition Period
While Zara Ross will officially step down as CEO on October 31, 2024, she will continue to work with Ben as the Transfer Programme Director. In this role, Zara will oversee the transition of care and village services to new operators, ensuring a smooth handover until the process is finalized. Her continued involvement highlights her dedication to the organization and its mission.
Rachel Clift’s Appointment and Vision
After an extensive recruitment process, Ben’s Board of Trustees selected Rachel Clift to assume the role of CEO. Rachel, who joined Ben in September 2018, has made significant strides in transforming the charity’s Health & Wellbeing services, nearly tripling its reach and impact within the industry. Her proven leadership and deep commitment to the organization make her an ideal candidate to guide Ben into its next phase.
Ambitious Plans for the Future
Ben’s Board of Trustees has set ambitious goals to further treble the charity’s impact by 2030, with a focus on addressing the growing health and wellbeing needs of those working in the automotive industry. Under Rachel’s leadership, Ben is poised to enhance its services and extend support to thousands more industry professionals and their families.
Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry and Chair of Ben’s Trustee Board, expressed confidence in Rachel’s ability to lead the organization through its next strategic phase. He praised her expertise, inspiration, and drive, noting that the Board looks forward to working with her to achieve their ambitious goals. Steve also extended heartfelt thanks to Zara Ross for her unwavering commitment to Ben over the past eight years.
Zara Ross’s Reflections
Reflecting on her tenure, Zara Ross described her time as CEO of Ben as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. She highlighted the charity’s dedication to putting those they support at the heart of everything they do and expressed confidence that Rachel Clift will continue to lead Ben to even greater achievements in the future. Zara also extended her best wishes to her colleagues and the wider automotive community as she embarks on her retirement.
Rachel Clift’s Enthusiasm for the Role
Rachel Clift expressed her excitement about assuming the role of CEO at Ben, particularly as the charity embarks on its most significant phase of transformation yet. She acknowledged Zara Ross’s support and dedication, and expressed gratitude for the strong foundation Zara has built. Rachel looks forward to leading Ben through its ambitious growth plans and is eager to reveal more about the charity’s future initiatives.
As Rachel Clift steps into her new role as CEO of Ben, the automotive industry charity stands at the brink of a new era of growth and transformation. With a clear vision and a strong foundation laid by her predecessor, Rachel is poised to lead Ben in expanding its reach and impact, continuing the organization’s mission to support those within the automotive industry. The legacy of Zara Ross and the promising future under Rachel Clift’s leadership signal a bright future for Ben and the communities it serves.
